Enhanced safety measures for point-to-point transport providers such as taxis and hire vehicles are being rolled out in Dubbo with the trial of a free vehicle sanitisation station.
NSW Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said Dubbo was the first regional centre to trial the initiative, which is designed to enhance driver and passenger safety during COVID-19.
“Thousands of drivers have had their vehicle sanitised for free at a vehicle sanitisation station during a trial in Sydney in the last month – and we are now looking to roll the initiative out to the regions with Dubbo the first cab off the rank,” Mr Toole said.
“This is about giving people additional confidence in the safety of point-to-point services used for essential travel like going to the shops or medical appointments, including taxis and community transport services.
“It builds on the measures we’ve already put in place to create a safe transport network right across the state with enhanced cleaning on trains and coaches and limited bookings on TrainLink services to enable appropriate social distancing.”
Point-to-Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said all taxis and hire vehicles were eligible for the complimentary once-per-vehicle-per-day service.
“Vehicle sanitisation includes disinfecting high-touch areas like outside and inside door handles, window controls, headrests and payment terminals,” Mr Wing said.
“Drivers are also encouraged to do spot cleans in between sanitisation as they continue to deliver their essential service to the community.”
“We encourage all point to point vehicles including community transport and Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Vehicles to come through for sanitisation as they support the needs of our most vulnerable passengers.”
NSW Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders welcomed the trial as an additional measure to keep the community safe.
“This highlights the need for regional areas to have solutions around point-to-point transport,” Mr Saunders said.
“The new facility at Dubbo Buslines is the perfect place to trial that service as we implement new ways to better protect our drivers and passengers to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19.”
For more information about point to point transport and the response to the Coronavirus outbreak please visit www.pointtopoint.nsw.gov.au.
